As tennis says farewell to Andy Murray after an exhilarating last occasion on the Olympics, The Athletic has spoken to nearly 30 gamers, coaches and different luminaries to grasp what the three-time Grand Slam champion, double Olympic champion and legend of British tennis means to the game.
From these closest to him, akin to his brother, Jamie, and Nice Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, to rivals together with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, and WTA gamers Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, who’ve admired his struggle for gender equality, the 27 folks under have damaged down the completely different components of Murray’s recreation and character, having seen him up shut all through his life and profession. Murray himself additionally explains what he’s most happy with from his 19-year profession on the ATP Tour.
GO DEEPER
Fifty Shades of Andy Murray
The Corridor of Famer: ‘He was a monster – it was a “Huge 4” for positive’
At the beginning, Murray was a world-class participant. One among his rivals, Stan Wawrinka, mentioned not too long ago that it was a ‘Huge 4’ reasonably than a ‘Huge Three’, with Murray meriting a spot in that group with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, due to his unimaginable consistency. That’s why Wawrinka — a three-time Grand Slam winner, similar as Murray, however nothing like as environment friendly in reaching main finals or successful different titles — places the Scotsman in a distinct class from himself.
Just about the entire gamers who confronted Murray agree.
Rafael Nadal
One among Murray’s Huge 4 rivals throughout that period was Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion. The pair performed one another 24 occasions, with Nadal main the head-to-head 17-7, which included two wins for Murray on clay.
Nadal says: “We all know one another since we have been small children. He’s one yr youthful. After we have been enjoying by groups — Spain, Nice Britain — he was on the workforce one yr youthful. We all know one another very effectively. We develop collectively on the tour, even when he arrived somewhat bit later than me.
“Andy had an incredible profession. I feel ultimately… I imply, I don’t wish to say he deserves kind of as a result of, on the finish, if I say I deserve extra if I don’t have accidents, no? No, I don’t, as a result of I had the accidents, no? He had numerous finals. He was an incredible participant who in all probability performed in a troublesome second as a result of he shared the tour on the prime time of Novak, Roger and myself.
Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal after the latter’s triumph throughout the fourth spherical of the 2007 Australian Open (Richard A Brooks / Getty Pictures)
“He was the one which was on the similar stage as us typically phrases. By way of victories, he achieved much less however by way of stage of tennis, of getting, mentally, the successful spirit week after week, he was the one one which was very near being on the similar stage as us.”
David Goffin
Goffin’s recreation matched up terribly to Murray’s and he misplaced all eight of their conferences. The Belgian, as soon as ranked No 7 on this planet, was additionally the autumn man for one among Murray’s most well-known wins — the one which secured Nice Britain the Davis Cup in 2015. The ultimate level, which Murray gained with a trademark lob, was proof of his distinctive courtroom craft and shotmaking skill.
Goffin can be in little question that Murray deserved his place within the Huge 4 group.
Goffin says: “He killed me on a regular basis. It’s superb what Andy did for the game. I performed him many occasions, and I at all times felt that he was too good. It’s insane what he did, particularly with the opposite three massive guys enjoying with him.
“He was a part of the Huge 4. He was world No 1. He gained Grand Slams. He gained so many Masters 1000s (14 in whole). He was only a monster, a legend.”
Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka, a longtime good friend and rival says: “It’s been greater than 20 years (that we’ve recognized one another). There are lots of reminiscences. It was particular to play right here towards him at residence (at Wimbledon in 2009). He’s been an incredible champion. He pushed all people. He’s been an instance for a lot of gamers.
“And he’s a terrific man. We’re good associates. We arrived somewhat bit on the similar occasions. We spent so many occasions collectively — on the courtroom, in apply courtroom, we practise tons of occasions collectively. We at all times had a great relationship.”
John McEnroe
McEnroe by no means shared a courtroom with Murray, however the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is unequivocal on the Scot’s standing throughout the recreation.
“He’s one of many best the game has ever seen,” McEnroe says. “He left no stone unturned to be the most effective he may very well be. Till he obtained harm, it was the Huge 4, it wasn’t the Huge Three. He completed 2016 because the No 1 participant, forward of these guys — that’s fairly an achievement.
“He gained three Slams, reached 11 Grand Slam finals. First-ballot Corridor of Famer. Unbelievable profession, particularly contemplating the gamers he was up towards. Murray has the respect of everybody within the tennis world — finally, that’s all you may ask for.”
McEnroe has not too long ago known as for Wimbledon so as to add a statue of Murray (Clive Brunskill / Getty Pictures)
The competitor: ‘Even in doubles, he was getting fired up for each level’
Djokovic and Murray have been born inside every week of one another, and after going through one another many occasions as juniors, shared 36 matches on the ATP Tour, together with seven Grand Slam finals (two of which Murray gained). Of his many attributes, Djokovic picks out his resilience and dedication.
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic says: “Simply unimaginable resilience all through all his profession. A number of Grand Slam winner. Legend of the sport. No 1 on this planet. Going to play challenger circuit to construct his rankings on clay, his least favorite floor, says so much about his character.
“Simply enormous inspiration to all of the gamers. Doesn’t thoughts getting out on the courtroom for hours each day. Unbelievable skilled. His strategy is one thing to check, little question.
“His will to push and see how far he can go, even with a synthetic hip, is one thing that’s simply inspiring but in addition serves as a terrific instance I feel to numerous the athletes, youthful ones, that begin to complain about this and that.
“So he has left a terrific mark on and off the courtroom, little question, for the tennis. However one thing tells me, once more, that he’ll maintain going.”
Murray and Djokovic performed doubles collectively as juniors (Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures)
Sebastian Korda
Murray’s preventing spirit is famous, and it enabled him to provide so many superb comebacks. We consider this primarily within the context of massive Grand Slam singles matches with tons at stake. However even on the doubles courtroom, in the direction of the tip of his profession, in his mid-30s and with a steel substitute left hip, he was nonetheless scrapping for each ball.
Earlier this yr, American world No 21 Korda requested Murray if he fancied enjoying doubles with him. They joined forces in Miami in March, beating Tallon Griekspoor and Julian Money within the first spherical earlier than an ankle damage dominated Murray out of the occasion.
Korda, 24, grew up watching Murray and couldn’t imagine how invested his accomplice was in that match.
Korda says: “He’s an unbelievable individual. He’s the largest competitor on the market. Even in our doubles match, he was getting fired up for each level. It was simply superior to see. And to see the legend that he’s, and the way in which he carries himself on courtroom. It’s only a huge inspiration.”
Grigor Dimitrov
The previous Wimbledon semi-finalist and present world No 10 Dimitrov, says it’s Murray’s mentality that has at all times stood out to him.
Dimitrov says: “We’ve at all times obtained on effectively and been shut. You possibly can be taught so much from him — on completely different facets, like the way in which his mentality has been and what he’s been in a position to obtain. He at all times tries to come back again and struggle by — that’s fairly superb.”
The tactician: ‘Aged 11, he stored drop-shotting this man as a result of he knew he couldn’t beat him for energy’
One among Murray’s greatest property was his tactical nous. He knew he didn’t possess a few of the overwhelming shotmaking the opposite Huge 4 gamers did. He found out the right way to use his smarts and courtroom craft, which had always been a giant a part of his recreation rising up — Murray was on the shorter facet till he was about 15, and went by a sudden development spurt.
Leon Smith
Smith is aware of Murray in addition to nearly anybody. He would turn into his Davis Cup captain for 13 years, however he first noticed Murray as a four-year-old, enjoying brief tennis. His mom, Judy, who was in control of tennis in Scotland, would deliver him alongside to junior tournaments Smith was enjoying in.
Just a few years later, Judy requested Smith, in his twenties and beginning out as a coach, if he may act as a hitting accomplice for her son, who was then about 11. The pair obtained on effectively, and Smith took on a casual mentoring function and began taking the child to tournaments — together with the celebrated Orange Bowl occasion in Miami for high kids in 1999.
Andy Murray, 12, en path to successful the Underneath-14 Nationwide Junior Championships in Nottingham (Craig Prentis / Getty Pictures)
Murray gained the occasion within the 12-and-under class and Smith obtained a primary glimpse into how tactically clued-up he already was.
Smith says: “If you put him on a match courtroom, the man simply lit up. He wouldn’t need to lose. That last of the Orange Bowl, I bear in mind him drop-shotting the man (Tomas Piskacek from the Czech Republic) so many occasions. He stored drop-shot-and-lobbing him. This man was a lot greater than him — Andy wasn’t that massive, he was extra common to small measurement. And he stored drop-shotting this man as a result of he knew he couldn’t beat him for energy, and I simply bear in mind so many drop-shot-and-lob combos.”
Beating extra highly effective gamers together with his guile and know-how later grew to become Murray’s calling card on the ATP Tour.
Cameron Norrie
British No 2 Norrie grew up watching Murray and, since turning professional and becoming a member of his compatriot on the British Davis Cup workforce, has soaked up as a lot info from him as doable.
He says: “I ask him a thousand questions. If I wanted assist with something, I used to be at all times asking and calling him, and he was at all times there to assist me, and I obtained on rather well with him in Davis Cup.”
One among Norrie’s takeaways from all these conversations is that Murray will make a high coach in the future — a view many others share.
Cameron Norrie has discovered Murray’s recommendation indispensable (Glyn Kirk / AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
Norrie says: “He’s a great man to spend time round, and his tennis information is unbelievable. He remembers all the main points. It’s nice to be round that stage of professionalism. Getting the prospect to play towards him is at all times powerful and actually good.
“For those who ask him about any participant, he’ll provide the particulars on all the pieces: the place they wish to hit their forehand and sometimes wish to serve and the way they transfer, their little tendencies and what they do. He’s watching numerous tennis, not simply practising. He is aware of how they play and he’ll be a great coach.”
The locker-room legend: ‘A very respectful man and a cool dude’
In addition to his distinctive achievements on the courtroom, Murray will depart a legacy as a vastly standard determine inside tennis off it. He was beloved within the dressing room for his wry sense of humour and help for different gamers.
Dominic Thiem
Thiem had fairly a bit in frequent with Murray. Each discovered their path to Grand Slam titles continuously blocked by the Huge Three (Thiem misplaced three Grand Slam finals to Huge Three gamers; Murray misplaced eight — 5 to Djokovic, three to Federer). Each have been finally struck down by accidents.
Thiem hopes that, in the future, they’ll have a beer or two collectively and swap battle tales.
He says: “I love him and I like him — as an athlete and an individual. He was one of many folks texting me after I obtained injured, after I was on my means again, and likewise now. After my farewell in Roland Garros (this yr), he despatched me a very nice message, which he didn’t have to do. He simply mentioned it was superb to see how I obtained my farewell and the way emotional it was. This gave me numerous pleasure as a result of he’s had his points as effectively — though means worse.
Murray in motion throughout a defeat to Thiem in Barcelona in 2019 (Alex Caparros / Getty Pictures)
“That’s the opposite factor about him — to do what he has accomplished with a steel hip is solely superb. He deserved far more. The Huge Three have been in the way in which for him. However then, the way in which he was preventing again with the steel hip and nonetheless enjoying, it’s admirable. He’s a giant function mannequin for each participant.
“We solely spoke every so often for a couple of minutes within the locker room, which is good after all however isn’t sufficient. It could be actually attention-grabbing, with him and the opposite guys, to have a extremely deep dialog, and perhaps in the future I’m going to come back to Wimbledon and meet with him and speak about these things.
“Yeah (over a beer or two), loosen up.”
Carlos Alcaraz
Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz is a participant Murray loves watching. He has been vocal in supporting the younger Spaniard, proper from the beginning of his profession.
Alcaraz has enormous respect for Murray, who had one other message for him when the pair hit collectively on the pre-Wimbledon event at Queen’s in London final week.
Alcaraz says: “Each time I discuss to him, I used to be actually targeted. Each phrase I’m listening to from him, it’s superb. I hear numerous good issues. He spoke to me on Twitter, on Instagram. He watched numerous my matches. For me, this stuff are superb.
“After I practised with him (at Queen’s), he congratulated me in regards to the French Open, that it was superb stuff. Listening to these phrases from him, it was superb. He’s a legend. I’ve enormous respect for him, all the pieces he’s accomplished in sport. He has crushed the Huge Three many, many occasions of their prime stage. It’s one thing superb.
“His legacy in tennis and in sport goes to be ceaselessly.”
Tomas Machac
One among Murray’s last matches was towards Machac, in Miami in March this yr. Murray performed on after rupturing ankle ligaments however wished his opponent effectively on the finish of a three-set defeat.
Machac, 23, says: “It was a troublesome match, however after we shook arms he was tremendous, like a legend. Through the match, he tried all the pieces to beat me however then on the finish, he was very good — he mentioned, ‘Nicely performed, good luck for the event’.
“He’s a legend of the game and a particular individual and participant, so he’ll be missed so much.”
Gael Monfils
On the different finish of his profession from Alcaraz and Machac is 37-year-old Monfils, Murray’s one-time rival at junior stage. The pair have been enjoying one another for greater than 25 years and in 2004, gained the entire junior Grand Slams between them (Monfils the primary three, Murray the U.S. Open).
Monfils and Murray battling on the 2006 French Open. (Eric Feferberg / AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
Monfils says: “It’s loopy as a result of I performed Andy the primary time after I was 11 and he was 10. Everyone’s completely different — we now have a distinct goal et cetera. I’m a giant fan of Andy. His achievements, his profession, the man he’s. He’s a extremely respectful man and a cool dude. A legend of the game.
“I attempt to be taught from him. What he’s accomplished is loopy good.”
GO DEEPER
‘You realize my identify. It’s unattainable. I made it’: Gael Monfils has no regrets
The British flagbearer (and p**s-taker): ‘Inspirational however understated’
Murray’s compatriots will maybe miss him probably the most. He has been an enormous supply of help to them. “He’s given numerous time to folks — youthful guys, practising with them once they weren’t established, providing them recommendation in the event that they requested for it,” says Smith, who has seen up shut in his function as Davis Cup captain how influential Murray has been.
“A day after what occurred right here (the damage at Queen’s towards Jordan Thompson this June), he’s down at pre-qualies, bloody Southfields at Wimbledon, watching a 17-year-old Charlie Robertson. Up rocks Andy Murray courtside. He’s simply pulled out with an damage and who is aware of what that damage is, but he’s out supporting a 17-year-old Scot. It’s not regular. It’s nice values, nice human expertise.
“In 2016, just a few days after successful Wimbledon, he got here to Serbia (to be with the British Davis Cup workforce, although he wasn’t match to play). That’s unbelievable. He mentioned, ‘Would it not be OK if I come over?’. ‘Err, yeah!’. I bear in mind he’s obtained a ball-hopper and he’s doing the feeding to the fellows. That already offers them such a elevate. He’s right here doing that. Wonderful stuff.”
In the meantime, in McEnroe’s eyes, “Andy Murray modified the notion of being a British tennis participant. He had that starvation and can to win that folks hadn’t seen for a very long time.”
Murray’s at all times dry however surprisingly jovial humour has gained over tennis followers. (John Walton / PA Pictures by way of Getty Pictures)
However as a lot as Murray has been a motivator and inspiration, the opposite British gamers additionally respect his depraved sense of humour and love of taking the p**s out of them.
Jack Draper
Draper, the brand new British No 1 who will carry a lot of the nation’s expectations with Murray gone, mentioned at Wimbledon of his one-time idol: “I wouldn’t be right here with out Andy. He’s an unimaginable man off the courtroom, so humorous, so real, one among a form. What a competitor, what a champion. Thanks very a lot.”
He says: “It’s bizarre as a result of he was such an inspiration after I was youthful and across the Nationwide Tennis Centre.
“Watching him win Wimbledon, I used to be starstruck. As I’ve come on to the tour and he’s had his accidents and been round, it’s been nice to get to know him as an individual. He’s extremely real, an actual arduous employee, and we’ve obtained to practise so much and it’s been nice to be taught from him. Everybody’s on a distinct journey however his major message is: ‘Be taught from the matches, be taught from the experiences — maintain going, maintain doing the suitable issues such as you’re doing and also you’ll get to the place you need to be’.
“He’s very supportive. Not a lot in a match-by-match means, however he’ll give me a little bit of banter in messages. Or saying, ‘Congratulations, effectively performed at the moment’. If I put one thing on Instagram that he’s not a fan of, he’ll let me know. He at all times goes on about my ‘stance’. The opposite day, I put up a photograph and did the stance simply to p**s him off. I hope, even after his profession, that he nonetheless has a huge impact on tennis and sticks round.”
Neal Skupski
A 3-time Wimbledon champion (one in males’s doubles, two in combined), Skupski has obtained to know Murray from enjoying Davis Cup ties collectively over the previous few years. For Skupski, it’s Murray’s prowess in fantasy soccer that has left an enduring impression.
Skupski says: “We’re in WhatsApp teams collectively — fantasy soccer, all that stuff. He’s nice, a terrific character. One of many humorous ones on tour.
“You don’t need to be an energetic participant to be a part of the fantasy soccer group — his coach, Jonny O’Mara, is within the group as effectively. Jonny got here final this yr, so he’s having to do a forfeit, which is taking a visit to any nation in Europe for the day. Out and in. On his personal.
“Andy gained the entire thing, like he does yearly — which he put out on social media — so he will get to decide on the place Jonny goes. Fairly humorous that Jonny’s teaching Andy and Andy will get to decide on the place he goes. He hasn’t determined the place he’s going but.
“He loves that he has the maintain over the remainder of us (the opposite 9 folks within the group). He’s fixed, he’s continuous. On the ultimate day of the season, he modified his entire workforce to individuals who don’t play — reserve gamers, under-23s — as a result of he was to date forward. That’s simply one thing Andy would do.
“There’s discuss of him sending Jonny to Bulgaria (a three-hour flight from London) for the day.”
Aidan McHugh
Murray’s legendary p**s-taking skill was as soon as defined to me by Scottish 24-year-old McHugh, who Murray mentored earlier than bringing him into his company, 77 Sports activities Administration Group: “The p**s-taking is totally something he can get his arms on. He tends to carry onto issues. He’ll deliver up one thing you probably did two years in the past. He’s very on it. It’s nearly worrying.”
McHugh informed a narrative from his run to the junior Australian Open semifinals in 2018 that demonstrated this. “After dropping, I used to be gutted — like, genuinely not proud of a extremely powerful loss, and all I did was smash a plastic water bottle. I didn’t harm something. I wasn’t even within the locker room, I used to be upstairs within the gymnasium, however my coach heard it and it obtained again to Andy.
Murray and McHugh in good spirits at Wimbledon in 2017 (Invoice Murray / SNS Group by way of Getty Pictures)
“After I got here again to the UK, Andy and I have been chatting and he utterly made up that, due to me, 77 had obtained a giant invoice by for damages to the gamers’ locker room! I felt horrible however was like, ‘I don’t know what you’re speaking about’.
“I used to be anticipating at that time that he would break and chuckle it off, however he simply stored going and didn’t say, ‘OK, I’ll allow them to comprehend it wasn’t you’. He’s nonetheless not spoken to me about it and gone, ‘It was a joke’. He simply leaves issues like that to try to mess with you.”
Joe Salisbury
Salisbury is one other British doubles specialist (4 Grand Slam titles in males’s, two in combined) who has teamed up with Murray within the Davis Cup, and seen his distinctive model of comedy up shut.
Salisbury says: “He has a really dry sense of humour, very sarcastic. Very humorous. For those who didn’t know him, you wouldn’t get it. He says issues utterly deadpan and also you’re probably not positive if he’s joking.
“I’ve at all times obtained on rather well with Andy. He’s a terrific man, straightforward to get on with. I don’t know any of the opposite high singles guys effectively, however really feel like he’s probably the most down-to-earth and open (of them). It doesn’t matter who you’re, he’s at all times completely satisfied to talk, at all times very supportive.
“And I at all times loved enjoying with him — a terrific competitor who works actually arduous. At any time when I’ve performed doubles with him, he’s at all times been targeted and wished to enhance on his doubles.”
Leon Smith once more
In addition to having fun with amusing together with his team-mates, Murray may give speeches that encourage them. On the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he was chosen as Group GB’s flagbearer, a vastly prestigious honour that recognised his gold (males’s singles) and silver (combined doubles) medals on the earlier Video games in London 4 years earlier. As a part of his function, Murray addressed all the opposite British Olympians current in Rio.
Smith says: “He gave an incredible speech. We had this condo block, after which a giant garden in entrance, the place the British workforce have been staying. And he’s standing up on a raised financial institution bit, talking to all of the British Olympians, giving this speech and it’s like tugging in your heartstrings. Inspirational stuff about what it means to be a British Olympian, how everybody at house is rooting for you. ‘You’ve accomplished your work, be proud that you just’re right here and know that you just’ve accomplished all the pieces you may, so simply exit and provides your greatest effort’.
“Easy however highly effective messaging. And since it’s coming from him, folks have been like, ‘Wow’. It was actually inspirational however understated. He’s not somebody who will get overly excited or goes overboard, however he delivered it in such a real means.”
Emma Raducanu
Murray has set requirements for British ladies in tennis to aspire to as effectively.
Raducanu, the one different British winner of a singles Grand Slam title since 1977 and his chosen combined doubles accomplice at Wimbledon till her withdrawal, says: “I simply see him function daily. How skilled he’s, how he’s within the gymnasium an hour and a half earlier than apply. How he goes about his factor. It’s simply good to have that affect. He units requirements and all of us like to have him round.
“It’s good to see him hitting with the opposite boys and the opposite gamers. All of them get impressed once they play with him.”
Dan Evans
Evans was the person enjoying alongside Murray within the thrilling last Olympics run, however their closeness goes means past that. Murray has been a giant help to his Davis Cup team-mate all through Evans’ profession, together with staying out late on a freezing Court docket 8 to look at one among his qualifying matches on the 2016 Australian Open. “It’s unbelievable to come back out, it’s freezing, the prospect of getting unwell — it’s a great effort,” Evans mentioned.
Reflecting on all their a few years realizing one another, Evans says: “He’s at all times been behind each British participant, he’s by no means not taken outing to ship a textual content. When he was injured and I gained my first-ever match at Roland Garros (in 2019), he messaged me saying, ‘Nicely accomplished, that’s perseverance’. He knew precisely what number of matches I hadn’t gained there and I used to be considering, ‘You could have your personal stuff happening, in order that was fairly cool’.
“He’s been beneficiant, useful, all the pieces to British tennis. Not simply me. He’s given everybody good recommendation. He gained the Davis Cup just about on his personal — which gave me an accolade, I assume.
“Davis Cup, behind the scenes, simply typically a category act.”
The idol: ‘I made a listing of who I wished an image with. In fact, Andy was first on the record’
Murray’s longevity means gamers grew up admiring him after which grew to become a part of the tour with him. Because the Russian ladies’s world No 12 Daria Kasatkina, places it: “It’s been unimaginable to look at him on TV after which be with him at tournaments. I really feel fortunate to have skilled that.”
Mirra Andreeva
One among Murray’s greatest followers is the Russian 17-year-old Andreeva, who reached the French Open semifinals in Might.
When Murray tweeted his appreciation of Andreeva throughout one among her matches on the Australian Open in January, she expressed how overwhelmed she was. “Truthfully, I didn’t assume that he would watch a match, then after he would tweet, he would remark one thing,” she mentioned. “I’ll attempt to print it out one way or the other. I don’t know, I’ll put it in a body. I’ll deliver it in all places with me. I’ll perhaps put it on the wall, so I can see it each day.”
Andreeva down 5-1 in third. Commentator “she actually must work on psychological facet of her recreation.. she’s too arduous on herself when she’s dropping”
half-hour later 7-6 Andreeva wins.
Possibly the explanation she turned the match spherical is due to her psychological energy. Possibly she turned the…— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) January 19, 2024
On the French Open, she plucked up the braveness to ask Murray for an image collectively.
Andreeva says: “It was a pleasant second as a result of I had a present — a retro digital camera. I used to be like, ‘Nicely, I’ve to do numerous pictures’. I had 25 or 30 footage that I may do. So I made a listing of who I need to take an image (with). In fact, Andy was first on the record as a result of, I imply, we had just a few interactions, however I don’t actually have a picture with him. I assumed, ‘Nicely, we have to repair that’.
“I noticed him just a few occasions earlier than, however he was warming up or consuming. So I used to be like, ‘Nicely, subsequent time, subsequent time’. Then, I noticed him speaking to his workforce. I used to be like, ‘Nicely, he’s busy. No, no, no’. My coach was like, ‘No, you go, you do it, and after we overlook about it’.
“She pushed me to him and, lastly, I had an image with him.”
What was higher, reaching the French Open semifinal or getting the image with Murray?
“Each are good. Each are good.”
Jordan Thompson
Thompson was Murray’s last tour singles opponent, beating him at Queen’s simply earlier than Wimbledon.
The 30-year-old Australian brutally uncovered his opponent’s impaired motion by regularly enjoying drop photographs — a ploy he mentioned he realized from watching Murray as a teenager. Afterwards, he spoke about how a lot of an inspiration Murray was again then — particularly how arduous he pushed himself.
Thompson says: “His work ethic was unbelievable after I was rising up. I simply thought he labored so arduous to get the place he’s, and to be as bodily match as him simply on arduous work, it was an actual inspiration.
Murray walks out of Queen’s behind Thompson after retiring from their match final week. (Clive Brunskill / Getty Pictures)
“I’m positive he’ll be missed. After I was a child I watched him play U.S. Open finals, Wimbledon finals, that many Australian Open finals (5). It was in my residence nation. I used to be going for him each time. He’s one among my favorite gamers.
“I obtained to share the courtroom just a few occasions with him. That was particular. I don’t assume many children on this planet could be watching these guys on TV and you then go on the market and truly play them and share the courtroom with them. Yeah, it’s each child’s dream.
“To fulfil these desires with one among my favorite gamers, it was an actual honour.”
The fighter for equality: ‘I do know all feminine athletes actually respect it’
One thing that has set Murray aside has been his willingness to talk on points which might be vital to him. A kind of is gender equality, and he has regularly known as folks out for perceived sexism. He fiercely defended Amelie Mauresmo from misogynistic feedback when he took the bizarre step of appointing her as his coach in 2014.
“He’ll be remembered as a terrific champion and an incredible function mannequin; somebody who stood up and was vocal about world points, as a result of not many do this,” Smith says. “He’s ready to talk about vital issues and other people take heed to him. You get the sense when the gamers speak about him, not one individual isn’t unbelievably complimentary. Folks genuinely respect what he’s accomplished for the game and for them. He needs to be remembered for a lot of, many issues. An ideal human being, a terrific champion, a terrific ambassador for tennis and wider world points.”
Murray’s function as an advocate for ladies’s tennis has earned him an enormous quantity of appreciation and admiration from WTA gamers.
Coco Gauff
America’s world No 2 and reigning U.S. Open champion was significantly impressed by Murray calling out a journalist for saying in 2017 that no American participant had reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam since 2009. “Male participant,” was his response.
Gauff says: “My favorite video of him is on the press convention in Wimbledon the place he says, the primary ‘male participant.’ Truthfully, it occurs so much in tennis the place folks say a stat, particularly with the fellows and I’ll be like, ‘Nicely, I did it (smiling)’. It’s good once they specify.
“What he’s accomplished with the ladies’s recreation… him and his mom as effectively have accomplished so much. I’d say he’s one of many first male gamers to talk up about it (gender inequality).
“On courtroom, I don’t get how one can’t look as much as him, together with his scenario battling with accidents. He’s purely out right here for the enjoyment and love of the sport.
“The man performed unimaginable tennis in such a troublesome period — even after, with a steel hip, and he’s nonetheless giving it 100 per cent, which is uncommon to see, particularly whenever you’re later in your profession. He offers it his all, irrespective of who’s watching — within the again courts or the centre courtroom.
“He doesn’t care about courts or the place he’s enjoying. He simply desires to play. Loads of gamers can be taught from that.”
Different gamers share Gauff’s view about how a lot Murray has accomplished for ladies’s tennis.
Naomi Osaka
The four-time Grand Slam champion says: “He’s been very vocal (about gender equality). All tennis gamers and all feminine athletes actually respect it.
“Murray’s such a terrific man, such a troublesome competitor. He loves tennis a lot and retains coming again. He’s had all these accidents. He’s relentless, his skill to maintain enjoying matches at a excessive stage.
“After I take into consideration him and the legacy that he leaves on tennis, clearly he’s accomplished so much for British tennis however as a child, watching him on TV enjoying these superb battles, he’s affected each tennis child worldwide.”
Andy Murray approaching Roger Federer after his Wimbledon last defeat in 2012. (Julian Finney / Getty Pictures)
Madison Keys
Keys, America’s ladies’s world No 14, says: “It’s been superb (what he’s accomplished for ladies’s tennis). He’s had an unimaginable profession but in addition to have probably the greatest male tennis gamers ever be such an advocate for ladies’s tennis and girls’s sport is superb.”
Daria Kasatkina
Kasatkina says: “It’s essential (Murray advocating for ladies’s tennis). He’s one of many few gamers who has accomplished that. He was the primary man to have a feminine coach, that was an enormous step. Andy is such a gentleman, an incredible individual. It’s additionally very enjoyable to look at him on courtroom — his interactions together with his field.
“Andy’s particular, he’s a legend. He has accomplished a lot on tour, and out of doors the courtroom typically for ladies’s tennis. He’s an unimaginable man.
“We’re going to overlook him so much. His British sense of humour was superb. Additionally, the man is such a personality on courtroom and he was probably the greatest gamers on this planet. So I actually take pleasure in him enjoying and attempting to be taught one thing from his recreation.”
Murray and Mauresmo at Queen’s in 2014. (Jan Kreuger / Getty Pictures)
Caroline Garcia
Garcia, the ladies’s world No 25 who reached a career-high rating of No 4 practically six years in the past, was famously tipped for the highest spot by Murray. That was in 2011, when Garcia was 17 and solely simply ranked on this planet’s high 200.
The woman sharapova is enjoying goes to be primary on this planet in the future caroline garcia, what a participant u heard it right here first
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) May 26, 2011
Requested whether or not that well-known Murray tweet was useful, Garcia says: “Why not? It’s what it’s. I haven’t reached that stage but, in all probability by no means, however it’s nice to get that form of remark from somebody who is aware of tennis. I respect no matter he says.
“He introduced so much to tennis. As a participant on courtroom together with his work ethic, his preventing spirit, his willingness to undergo so much to win Slams, and all of the expectations — particularly at Wimbledon. And the load on his shoulders.
“But additionally a terrific individual and human and supporting tennis typically — ladies’s tennis, and tweeting about it — which at all times made numerous buzz and was essential. An ideal champion, he introduced a lot to tennis — we owe him massive time. I hope he enjoys the second a part of his life and appears like he’s retired on his phrases.”
The legacy: ‘It’ll be bizarre not having him right here’
Talking to these within the locker room, there’s a way there’ll be an enormous gap with out Murray round — particularly for individuals who have been on tour for the same size to his 19 years.
Jamie Murray
That gap gained’t be greater for anybody than his brother, who has been travelling round with Andy enjoying junior occasions since they have been young children. They’ve additionally shared memorable moments on the doubles courtroom, most notably in Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup win.
The Murray brothers in 2005, initially of their tour careers. (Julian Finney / Getty Pictures)
Jamie says: “It’ll be bizarre not having him right here. It’s a reasonably uncommon scenario to have your brother doing the identical job as you — particularly in a high-level sport, travelling the world collectively. That could be a good factor, even when we don’t spend a great deal of time collectively on the courts. You realize that, within the background, you’ve at all times obtained somebody from your loved ones — even when you’re not accessing them on a regular basis.
“It’ll be unusual to not have him on the tour. We’ve been doing the identical factor for 20 years, so he’ll be a giant miss.”
As for the person himself, Andy Murray says that the factor he’ll be most happy with in his profession is exhibiting the identical stage of dedication day in, time out. “I feel the factor that I did a extremely good job of throughout my profession was that, whatever the highs and lows, whether or not it was successful tournaments, having troublesome losses, an operation, a setback, that I used to be in a position to deal with the subsequent day the identical. I at all times got here into work with the identical dedication, work ethic, and fervour, as I had the day earlier than, whatever the highs and lows that the game had thrown at me.
“I definitely didn’t at all times get it proper. Like on the match days, I used to be not excellent by any stretch, however I did at all times come into work and put in a great day. I gave my greatest effort.
“Yeah, that’s what I’m happy with. So I assume, I don’t know, it’s for different folks to resolve what my legacy could be. However that’s the factor I’m most happy with.”
No matter his legacy finally ends up being, tennis gained’t be the identical with out him.
(High pictures: Daniel Kopatsch / Getty Pictures; Design: Dan Goldfarb for The Athletic)
.png?h=c673cd1c&itok=6sWELzVO "Machine Gun Kelly Rocks the AMAs Red Carpet Covered in Metal Spikes")
